What to consider while seeking accommodation in Abuja

Getting a decent accommodation is priority of house seekers but not all of them consider all factors that affect one’s living in one’s chosen location. From our findings, the factors to consider are; the kind of work one is doing, income, size of family, location, neighbourhood and building approval. People in dire need of accommodation […]

Getting a decent accommodation is priority of house seekers but not all of them consider all factors that affect one’s living in one’s chosen location.
From our findings, the factors to consider are; the kind of work one is doing, income, size of family, location, neighbourhood and building approval.
People in dire need of accommodation do throw caution to the wind and settled for any available space, only to start regretting later and the journey to get another one begins.
Not considering these factors often leads to people changing accommodation often which is not helpful.
Former chairman, Nigeria Institute of Building, FCT chapter, Bldr. Musa Yakubu and former chairman Nigeria Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, FCT chapter, Surv. Muhammed Olayiwole Kabir said house seekers often ignore these factors which are vital to happy living in any environment.
Family size
Bldr. Musa Yakubu said the first thing to consider while seeking accommodation is the family size and accommodation needs, adding that this will determine whether the house seeker would go for one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom flat or self-contained. He maintained that accommodation need of a bachelor would be different from a married person. This is very important because it is not easy to relocate within a short period due to the cost involved, he stated.
Resources
Yakubu said this is also important as the resources available to the house seekers will determine the type of accommodation they can afford because people cannot go for accommodation that is above their income. One should always think of how to pay the next rent after the first year hence getting accommodation within one’s income limit is very important.
Neighbourhood
According to Yakubu, the type of neighbourhood one lives is also a major consideration as one would want to select the kind of neighbourhood which suites their status as well as where peers would expect him or her to stay or live in.
Location
In location, Yakubu said it is important because it concerns the house seeker’s proximity to workplace. It entails how one can go to work with ease, availability of the type of school one wants one’s children to attend and proximity to amenities like road, electricity, water and other social services. One has to consider whether the location would be in the city center or satellite town.
Building approval
Former Chairman of the Nigeria Institute of Estate Surveyor and Valuer, Muhammed Olayiwola Kabir said after arriving at the last consideration which is location and the building, a house seeker has to verify whether the building plan was approved by the government so as not to face demolition.
Decency
 Yakubu said a major factor for a decent accommodation is the location and its neighbourhood because a house may be looking good but if located in a slum, it can no longer be said to be decent.